How to Choose and Cut a Mango

Master the art of selecting and preparing a mango with this comprehensive guide on "How to Choose and Cut a Mango." Learn how to identify the perfect mango by its touch, scent, and appearance for unparalleled flavor and sweetness. This easy step-by-step tutorial shows you how to safely cut a mango using the "hedgehog" scoring technique, ensuring minimal waste and perfectly cubed fruit every time. Whether you're enjoying mango as a refreshing snack, blending it into smoothies, or adding it to salads and desserts, this guide will elevate your preparation skills. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this tutorial is your go-to resource for working with this tropical favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 1 piece Ripe mango
• 1 piece Knife
• 1 piece Cutting board
• 1 piece Spoon (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Gently press the mango to test its ripeness. A ripe mango should give slightly to touch but not feel mushy. Avoid mangoes with large soft spots, bruises, or blemishes.

Step 2

Smell the stem end of the mango. A ripe mango emits a sweet, fruity aroma. If it doesn't have a scent, it may not be ripe yet.

Step 3

Place the ripe mango on a clean cutting board with its stem end facing up.

Step 4

Using a sharp knife, position the blade slightly off-center to avoid the large, flat seed in the middle. Slice down lengthwise to cut off one of the mango cheeks.

Step 5

Repeat on the other side to remove the second cheek, leaving the seed intact in the center.

Step 6

Take one of the mango cheeks and hold it in your hand. Carefully score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern with the tip of the knife, being cautious not to cut through the skin.

Step 7

Push the center of the mango cheek from the skin side, turning the scored flesh outward. This will create a 'hedgehog' effect, making the mango cubes easy to cut off or eat directly with a spoon.

Step 8

Repeat the scoring and flipping process for the second mango cheek.

Step 9

For the remaining mango flesh around the seed, use the knife to trim off any usable pieces. Peel the skin off these pieces if desired.

Step 10

Serve the mango cubes fresh as a snack or use them in smoothies, salads, or desserts.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	500 grams (500.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	120

Total Fat 0.70g	1%
Saturated Fat 0.20g	1%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 30.30g	11%
Dietary Fiber 3.20g	11%
Total Sugars 27.90g
Protein 1.70g	3%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 22mg	2%
Iron 0mg	1%
Potassium 336mg	7%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 4.7%

Protein: 5.1%

Carbs: 90.2%